Will Ospreay, known as the Aerial Assassin, revealed he has been battling a neck injury for nearly a year following his appearance at AEW All In, where he played a significant role in assisting Hangman Adam Page’s victory over Jon Moxley to claim the AEW World Heavyweight Championship. After suffering an attack by the Death Riders, Ospreay was rushed to the Emergency Room and confirmed to have two herniated discs in his neck, which has put him out of action for several weeks.
Despite the setback, Ospreay remains optimistic about his recovery and hopes to return in time for this year’s Forbidden Door event, scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena in London, England.
Details on Will Ospreay’s Neck Injury and Recovery Plans
During a recent AEW Dynamite appearance, Ospreay opened up about the severity of his injury, explaining that he had been silently managing neck pain for about ten months before the incident with the Death Riders worsened his condition. He admitted keeping the injury to himself, wanting to fulfill commitments to his teammates and fans without letting them down.
“I’ve been struggling with my neck now, for about ten months. And it’s been causing me a bit of issues. And usually with our medical staff, they are on it straight away. As soon as I hear neck injury, they want to stop it, they want to ensure our safety. The difference is, I haven’t spoken to anyone. I’ve been keeping this to myself. That’s on me. I shouldn’t have been doing that. I should have been telling the medical staff, I should tell referees, I should tell the wrestlers. But I just… I really wanted to get us over the finish line. I made a lot of promises, I made promises to Swerve, I made promises to Hangman.”
—Will Ospreay, AEW Wrestler
Following the attack, Ospreay underwent emergency medical evaluation, including an MRI, which revealed two herniated discs at the C2 and C6 vertebrae affecting his spinal cord. Although this diagnosis appears severe, Ospreay emphasized that doctors have assured him the injury is treatable and manageable with proper care.
“And most importantly, I made promises to all of you guys that I will play a part in retrieving that World Championship. And although that sacrifice was great, I’m proud to say, ‘We got that belt back, boys!’ All right. So, here it is, when the Death Riders did what they did to me, I was rushed to the Emergency Room. I was put on an MRI. In my C2 and my C6, I got two herniated discs that have gone into my spinal cord. As bad as that sounds, every doctor that I have spoken to has said that it is treatable. So, with the right treatment, with the right physiotherapy, with the right people around me, especially with what AEW can provide, hopefully, with everything crossed, I should be back for Forbidden Door.”
—Will Ospreay, AEW Wrestler
Ospreay’s Commitment to Retaliation Against the Death Riders
In the same appearance, Ospreay expressed deep gratitude to his teammates and reaffirmed his intentions to seek revenge once he recovers. He specifically thanked Swerve Strickland for his support and praised Hangman Adam Page for his achievements, while warning the Death Riders of the consequences awaiting them when he returns.
“Before I go, before I start this… There’s three things I want to say, Swerve, love you, brother. Thank you so much for what you have done. Hangman Page it was an honor fighting by your side. And I am proud to call you my World Champion. But I will be wanting that rematch lads. And to the Death Riders, the moment that I am fit and healthy, where I am from, it’ an eye for an eye. So, you better believe I am coming for each and everyone of you little dickheads,”
said Ospreay.
This injury update marks a significant moment in Ospreay’s AEW career, as the Aerial Assassin faces a challenging road to recovery. The confirmation of his herniated discs reminds fans of the physical toll wrestling takes on performers. The upcoming Forbidden Door event in London now holds even greater significance, as Ospreay aims to make a strong comeback on a major international stage.
Ospreay’s return will have important implications for AEW’s storylines, especially regarding his alliances with Swerve Strickland and Hangman Adam Page, as well as his ongoing rivalry with the Death Riders. His injury and anticipated recovery will be closely watched by fans and peers alike as he prepares to reclaim his place in AEW’s competitive landscape.
